With March being Tuberculosis Awareness Month, DUT the IsoleMpilo Campus Health Clinic, in partnership with City Hospital, Ismail C Meer St, Durban, are playing their role in creating awareness about the disease.

Students recently got an opportunity to engage with the Clinic’s and Hospital’s nurses about the disease as well as their health in general. The nurses encouraged students to take part in TB and HIV screenings so that they know their status and have a better understanding as to how to prevent the two illnesses.

“It gives us such great pleasure to see students being concerned about their health and actually being actively involved in asking questions and testing,” said Sister Sindy Mbatha.  “Hundreds of people die of TB on a daily basis because they do know their statuses and are also not well informed on about nutrition. It is our duty as citizens not to be a silent society but one that encourages each other so we a can build a better informed nation that takes care of its people,” said Sister Mbatha.

According to the World Health Organization, TB is one of the most common causes of deaths around the world because people lack information and are not taking the right precautions.

“As students, we are sometimes lazy to go the clinic. Also because of time constraints, we don’t always get a chance to sit down and ask questions concerning our health. We need to make use of such programmes (that give health advice) for our own good and wellbeing. I didn’t even know that my weight and cholesterol level before today. We live in tough times of uncertainty so it’s always wise to be safe than sorry,” said Amanda Ngcobo, third year Food Technology student.

Students can also visit the clinic on weekdays to make use of the services offered.

– Nomtsikelelo Mthabela

Pictured: Students and a healthworker during the on campus Tuberculosis Awareness Month awareness drive.